About Jan T. Lowrey

Jan Lowrey was a founding board member of the CCC and later executive director of the organization. After Jan’s passing in January, 2006, the CCC Board of Directors wished to create a lasting memorial to him on the grounds of the Nature Preserve by creating the memorial grove that bears his name.

Jan was involved from the very beginning with the formation of the Cache Creek Conservancy, as one of the original fifteen founding board members, in December, 1995. By October of 1998, he was employed by the CCC as project manager, and shortly thereafter, in May of 1999 he was appointed to the full time executive director position. It was during this same time period that Teichert donated the Nature Preserve land to Yolo County---in a much different state than what it is today.

Jan was instrumental in the planning, contracting, overseeing, and preparing for a grand opening in May, 2000. This work included rebuilding the entrance bridge, building fences around the property, refurbishing the 100+ year old barn, constructing overlooks, boardwalks, a footbridge, stairway, and inlet and outlet structures for the newly developed wetlands. And while overseeing this, Jan put together a demonstration tamarisk and arundo removal project and started the invasive plant removal from the Nature Preserve site. Within a few years more trails were developed, office buildings were installed, and today it is a beautifully restored habitat site. Jan added much to the Nature Preserve, starting several programs including environmental education, the Tending & Gathering Garden, and writers & artists in residence.

The Memorial Grove is located close to the historic barn and is easily accessed from the parking lot, but because of the many trees and shrubs, it still conveys the feeling of being secluded. The southern part is anchored by an amphitheater that can seat at least fifty adults. The rest of the approximately one acre area is composed of walking trails amidst plantings of a large variety of native plants, trees, and shrubs. A few special spots contain benches where people may sit and enjoy nature.